Your summer getaway in Hokkaido!
Go on a 6-day outdoor trip to experience the greenery and waters of Hokkaido.
Arrive at Memanbetsu Airport and depart from New Chitose Airport
DAY 1
Your trip through Hokkaido's season of flowers and greenery begins at Memanbetsu Airport. You'll be welcomed by the beautiful sunflower fields blooming from July to October in the nearby Ozora Town. Your next stop, Abashiri Prison Museum.
After learning about the hidden history of Hokkaido in Japan's only prison museum, your next destination is Notoro Lake, a rare seawater lake in Abashiri National Park. Experience the beautiful nature of each season and look forward to the spectacular view of the sunset.
At night, relax and soak in the hot springs at Hotel Abashirikoso, a quiet hot springs resort overlooking Lake Abashiri.
- ACCESS
- Memanbetsu Airport → (5 min. car ride) → Ozora Town's sunflower fields → (20 min. car ride) → Abashiri Prison Museum → (15 min. car ride) → Notoro Lake → (20 min. car ride) → Hotel Abashirikoso
DAY 2
On your second day, travel from Abashiri to Shiretoko to delve into untouched nature. You'll be able to freely explore the Shiretoko Goko Lakes except during the coldest periods in winter and when the brown bears are active. Take a walk while gazing at the Shiretoko mountain range reflected in the clear lake water and the surrounding virgin forests. You can also apply for a guided tour to learn about Shiretoko's nature and ecosystem from an expert.
Aside from walking, some plans also offer scenic boat rides. You'll encounter grand rock formations, waterfalls, the area's wildlife, and other sights that can only be seen from the sea. Explore the nature of this World Heritage Site with your own feet and take in its wonders with your very eyes!
- ACCESS
- Hotel Abashirikoso → (approx. 2 hr. car ride) → Shiretoko Goko Lakes
DAY 3
Continue exploring the wilderness of Shiretoko on your third day. The cove of Utoro on the west side of the Shiretoko Peninsula is home to a mysterious landscape full of 100-meter cliffs. Get a sea kayak and paddle out to sea to find sea birds, white-tailed sea eagles, Ezo deer, and other majestic wildlife. The Rausu area on the east side of the Shiretoko Peninsula is filled with marine mammals. It offers a different ecosystem from Utoro, so we suggest you visit the Rausu area as well.
Once you're done admiring the beautiful sunset during your kayak ride, head to the National Shiretoko Camping Ground (*1), a campground surrounded by pristine nature. Soak away your fatigue for free in the open-air hot springs, then go to sleep under the starry sky.
(*1) Although the National Shiretoko Camping Ground is free to use with no reservation required, it does not offer camping equipment rentals. You will need to bring your own.
- ACCESS
- Shiretoko Goko Lakes → (20 min. car ride) → National Shiretoko Camping Ground
DAY 4
On this day, say farewell to Shiretoko and head for Akan. At Akan Ainu Kotan next to Lake Akan, you'll find the region's Ainu culture passed down through the generations via traditional dances and crafts.
Lake Akan is also a treasure trove for activities during the green season. Take a nature tour through the Bokke forest and see the local wildlife. Or, go canoeing or fishing in the lake. Tons of opportunities to experience Hokkaido's abundant nature await you. After your exciting outdoor excursion, go to an inn at Akanko Onsen, a hot springs resort near Ainu Kotan. Enjoy the natural hot spring water and relish in cuisine made with plenty of ingredients from Hokkaido's seas and mountains.
- ACCESS
- National Shiretoko Camping Ground → (approx. 2 hours and 50 minutes car ride) → Akan Ainu Kotan → (short walk) → Akanko Onsen
DAY 5
It's Day 5, and your trip is almost over. Check out of the inn and take a flight from Memanbetsu Airport to New Chitose Airport. Once you arrive, your destination for the day is Lake Shikotsu. It's one of Japan's largest caldera lakes, boasting unparalleled, world-class water quality. The lake's beautiful surface is known as the Shikotsu Blue. Enjoy a smooth kayak ride as if it were gliding while watching the nearby birds.
In the evening, enjoy the camping experience at Kyukamura Shikotsuko (*1), a hot spring hotel near the lakeside embraced by Shikotsu's spectacular view.
(*1) All the necessary equipment and food for camping are provided at the Kyukamura Shikotsuko. For more information on reservations and detailed plans, please check their website:
https://www.qkamura.or.jp/shikotsu/
- ACCESS
- Akanko Onsen → (1 hr. 10 min. car ride) → Memanbetsu Airport → (50 min. car ride) → New Chitose Airport → (50 min. car ride) → Lake Shikotsu → (20 min. car ride) → Kyukamura Shikotsuko
DAY 6
It's finally the last day of your trip. After a refreshing morning at Lake Shikotsu, ride a car to the Northern Horse Park, one of Japan's largest horse theme parks. A variety of attractions await you, including a horseback riding experience and a chance to meet the cute horses living freely in the vast, green park. Once you've had your fill, it's time to head to New Chitose Airport. Pick up some souvenirs for your loved ones at the airport's stores, and you're done. It's time to head home.
- ACCESS
- Kyukamura Shikotsuko → (45 min. car ride) → Northern Horse Park → (15 min. car ride) → New Chitose Airport